Interesting interview though. I haven't been to NZ, but I know their history with the Maori is pretty different than Canada's, which is where I hail from. If someone Aboriginal is famous in Canada or internationally, be a writer, singer, actor, comedian god, etc., in every interview that is done, there is some reference or question about their indigenous upbringing and what it means to them. Its just such an important issue as far as their identity and relation to the rest of Canadian society.

Jemaine seems pretty chill about the whole thing, not really seeing at a huge deal. It seems the Maori-European mix was a bit more peaceful and less harsh than most other "new countries" like Australia, USA and Canada. And the language is so beautiful... Its a shame his work with Tiaka about the Maori legends isn't more accessible to the world, but as is the case with most stage performances.

Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination.

I never really knew anything about the Maori- and still don't know much- but I'm happy to be learning.

SheWolf wrote:Itâ€™s nice to hear him use some Maori words and when he said whakamÄ I did think he was swearing at first. I remember that during the tour he signed one fanâ€™s LP â€œAroha, Jemaineâ€ when I found the definition for aroha I found it really really lovely:D

If I hadn't read the whole thread first, I'd have thought he was swearing, too! It's a beautiful language and I like hearing him speak it.

A very interesting interview and all I can do is nod at what's been said- thanks, turnip!

Last edited by LauraK on Wed Nov 18, 2009 1:51 am, edited 1 time in total.

I'm glad this thread came back recently or I would have missed it. I had read earlier that Jemaine was Maori and European, but didn't realize how he was influenced by it. I really loved hearing that he grew up in a native culture, so much so, that he actually speaks the language (or at least some of it). That's beautiful. It makes me want to learn more about the Maori, and gives me even warmer feelings about him. Thanks so much for the information on the language.

I tried to listen to it and the little spot on my computer that usually says "done" when everything is on the screen, said "stopped." I even went to the site and searched for the May 18 2008 item. I found it and again the screen was blank with a little "stopped" in the corner. I really want to listen to this. Any suggestions?

Deirdre wrote:I tried to listen to it and the little spot on my computer that usually says "done" when everything is on the screen, said "stopped." I even went to the site and searched for the May 18 2008 item. I found it and again the screen was blank with a little "stopped" in the corner. I really want to listen to this. Any suggestions?

Don't know why that would be... If you want I can upload it to sendspace and send it to you.

Seriously, I have about 8 folders of Conchords stuff. Plus the website, plus the MP3s and clips. Trying to find anything can be a nightmare. Apart from the site stuff. I know where everything is on the site and can therefore find it in an instant when updating. But all the other stuff collected over the years is mixed up. 3 compys in 5 years means its all filed in different places and I've not yet moved it all to this one.

Wow, great find It's great hearing Jemaine talking about being Maori, being shy ( I loved that he used a Maori word to describe it). Even though he seems comfortable performing on stage or in front of the camera you can still see how shy he actually is. He's very genuine, I love that about him.